The “contribution” put in place by the government on the “rent” of electricity producers is not “fair for consumers”, due to its low yield, the Court of Auditors regretted on Friday.
In an effective regulatory system, the margins accumulated by energy companies thanks to the surge in prices caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine would be returned to consumers, estimate the financial magistrates in a report devoted to the support measures deployed by the state during the recent energy crisis.
However, the contribution on the infra-marginal rents (CRI) of electricity producers voted in the initial finance law for 2023, which should have allowed this restitution in addition to the increase in royalties from hydroelectric concessions, does not give hope for a return the height of what would be fair for consumers, continues the Court.
According to her, revenue from the CRI and the increase in royalties should not exceed six billion euros for the years 2022 and 2023.
A figure to be compared with the more than 30 billion euros in net profit margins (before corporate tax) recorded in 2022 and 2023 by electricity traders, producers and suppliers.
Or with the bill of 36 billion euros net that the State must pay between 2021 and 2024 for multiple support measures for energy consumers: price shield, fuel compensation, etc.
Failing to capture most of the predictable profit margins to finance its support for consumers, the state is seeking to limit the net budgetary cost of the shield by increasing the prices paid by the consumer, concludes the Cost of Accounts.
All rights of reproduction and representation reserved. 2024 Agence France-Presse.